Friday, 17 January 2014

The trouble is, I just really hate Edmund

A's godfather bought her a beautiful set of the Narnia series for her first communion a couple of years back. Now that MrM has finished reading Harry Potter to A (of which more at some point in the future!), they are going to work their way through CS Lewis's series. We think that C would probably enjoy them too, and since A has already read The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe at school, I am reading it to C as a catch-up, whilst MrM reads The Tales of Beedle the Bard as an interim measure.

Anyway, the books themselves which are in a rather lovely slipcase, and are reproductions of the first editions, are an absolute joy to read. The paper just feels right, and it's really pleasant to turn the pages. They are printed in a beautiful typescript, reminiscent of the longer Enid Blyton books, which I really love. I sometimes read an extra page, just because I like the way it is set out.

C was unsure at first, but is now hooked. I am always heartened to see that a book can capture the imagination of many generations of children.

It's a gripping tale, and, truly, an iconic story. And I *know* Edmund is not meant to be a sympathetic character. I have so far resisted saying to C "What I want to know is, why don't they all just wrestle Edmund to the ground and give him a Chinese burn and a killer pinch?" That's what I would have done, if he'd been my brother. Except, I probably wouldn't have done, in the world of CS Lewis. I probably would have known my place, and bitten my tongue, and made him a sandwich, whilst looking downcast.

Hopefully I will be able to temper my extreme hatred of Edmund enough to actually enjoy the story...

About Me

I once read that you should blog about things that interest you. Anyone who has ever been to my house will testify that I LOVE books, particularly children's books. I am mum to three children, and a teacher of literacy in a comprehensive school, so, luckily for me, I have ample opportunity to read children's books! On this blog I plan to share my views on all of those wonderful books out there written for children. @mreaderofbooks on Twitter.